9.29.2010

The Best Faux Fur for Fall 2010


It's finally under 90 degrees outside and I've had a request to discuss faux fur options. While I am a die hard real fur fan (bad joke), I am 100% behind the faux fur that is everywhere this fall/winter. While you may think that this post is ridic-io here in sweaty Texas then I implore you to wait one minute sir or madam because fashion, I'll be the first to admit, is not always about what is practical (please see the shoes in my closet). However, someday soon the temps will dip below 50 degrees and we'll all reach for our gloves and big coats and our friends up north will simply chuckle at how wimpy we are. Chuckle away folks, it may be colder where you are in comparison, but we are happier and have better tans. I bid you a good day sir. 

So, if you'd rather go naked than wear fur (thanks PETA), you're in luck. This fall, faux fur is everywhere. Many fashion mags include spreads spotlighting faux-fur coats and other creations - boots, purses, hats, etc. Even uber designer Karl Lagerfeld featured head-to-toe fake fur in his fall collection for Chanel (remember the Chanel Yeti Chic?):


Chanel F/W 2010
"Technical advances are so perfect you can hardly tell fake fur from the real thing," says Lagerfeld. "Fake is not chic ... but fake fur is."

Urban Outfitter's Faux Fur Purse
Whether it's a sign of a slow economic recovery (fake fur is considerably cheaper than the "real thing") or a nod to the growing "eco-fashion" movement it hardly matters. Thanks to a serious upgrade in the quality and varying styles of faux fur once what seemed ridiculous is now looking downright legit. 

Forever 21's faux fur's come a long way
My advice for buying faux fur is go for quality over quantity. If you are going to go faux make sure you get the best faux for your dough because it will make all the difference in blurring the lines between real and fake. Let's be honest: Forever 21 (or what I like to call Forever 24) faux fur looks and feels cheap and plastic-y (left), but the faux fur that Rachel Zoe uses in her QVC line is downright luxurious (right). 

Rachel Zoe's Faux Fur Vest
It has the texture, depth and glossiness of real fur - it is twice the cost of the Forever 21 version but that is still well under $100. Most importantly, and this is kooky, I'll admit it, you need to really smell fake fur before you buy it because sometime the cheap stuff has this smell and when you wear it and you sweat the smell starts to emanate and not in a good way either, trust me.

So, Texans be smart and get yourself a vest or a jacket with a faux fur lapel. I am partial to Zara's versions (left), which now has a website with search-able items, but alas, you cannot purchase anything online much to my chagrin - my wallet is grateful though. 

Zara's Interpretation of Yeti Chic
These partial fur items will keep you from sweating up a storm in your new duds here in Texas where we may get a freeze in January of 2011? Happy shopping this trend - it's a keeper - here are some more options of faux fury items I'm totes-mcgotes into:
Zara's Short Sleeved Fur Coat - perf for TX winters

Asos' $33 Snood (scarf + hood = Snood)





9.27.2010

Oh, that Steve Buscemi

9.24.2010

Tonight

9.23.2010

Pipilotti Rist

Pipilotti Rist, Massachusetts Chandelier. Installation view. Luhring Augustine, 2010
[Flavorwire] Pipilotti Rist, the video artist known for exploring gender and sexuality in her work, has a new show up at Chelsea's Luhring Augustine. Dubbed Heroes of Birth, it features the debut of two video installations, as well as a video sculpture.

As viewers enter the gallery space, they're confronted by All or Nothing, a triptych of mounted LCD screens displaying hypnotic images of body parts in motion. The screens are flanked by an altar covered with "daily offerings" — fresh flowers, snacks, and a functioning water cooler where visitors can quench their thirst. In the rear gallery, which is covered in wallpaper designed by Rist, hangsMassachusetts Chandelier — a glowing piece created using underwear collected from friends and family.

Nom Nom Nom



Our generation didn’t grow up with the first film. What can they get out of it now? “If there is a message, it’s that time is your greatest asset. George Soros calls us the ninja generation. No investments, no jobs, no assets. 
That’s a scary name.” 
—SHIA LABEOUF [Vulture]

This Sunday on HBO: Can't WAIT!

9.20.2010

Look Hot and Help Out...All at Once



By Addison Donnell, LA, CA


Ahhh...fashion...a girl's best friend. We all love to spend our hard earned pennies on stilettos, purses, and dresses we will only wear once, but when was the last time that pair of Louboutins saved a life? That is what I thought. Budding fashionista and good friend, Kristen Wilson, has figured out a
way to make clothes life saving AND trendy at the same time with her organization called Stitch of
H.O.P.E.


Kristen's love of fashion and drive to help others and change the world led her to create Stitch of H.O.P.E. (cleverly standing for Helping Out People Everywhere), an organization that produces tank tops and tee shirts for charity. The coolest thing about these uber trendy tanks is that the color of the word “Hope” that is hand stitched onto each and every one, corresponds with a different charity. The based in Los Angeles, Stitch of H.O.P.E. benefits tons of different organizations from American Red Cross to Habitat for Humanity to The Humane Society. A large amount of the proceeds made from the sale of each shirt are donated directly to the specific charity of your choice. So, it doesn't matter if you are a tree hugger or an animal lover, there is adorable tank for you to sport and support your favorite
charity at the same time.


Think about it this way, next time there is a natural disaster, you don't have to settle for the “one size fits all man tee” just to make a difference in the world. Number one, who are we kidding, those tee shirts for charity are rarely cute and pretty hard to wear without looking like that asshole that wants
everybody to know they donated money and got a free shirt. With Stitch of H.O.P.E., not only do the shirts have a vintage, one of a kind look and feel, but there is a subtlety that says, “I heart my adopted cat and I'm fashionable.”


I mean, I really love donating to disaster relief funds and participating in charity walks, but if I can do it in a really cute tank top at the same time...I think it's a win win.


To order your “Hope” shirt and read more about creator and designer Kristen Wilson, click away:
http://www.stitchofhope.com

9.17.2010

Check Out Crazy Mel's Disguise

Go Buy Now: 2010 Handbags to Take You Through Fall, Winter, Spring...

The hottest bags for fall are fit for a lady (Lanvin, left).


Replacing the large, heavily embellished bags of late are vintage-inspired ladylike models topped off with a handle or two.


The style offers a feminine contrast to fall’s menswear-inspired details like strong-shouldered jackets and complement the longer-length ’50s-style skirts being turned out in pinstripes and plaids.
“The new direction for handbags this season is a return to a structured, ladylike handbag,” says Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus. “With the sharp tailoring and appreciation for men’s tailored details, the structured bag is the go-to bag.”
Classic silhouette satchels and frame bags had their place on the runway, too (Chloe', left).



The bags are larger than those of the “Mad Men” era and are modernized with cell phone pockets, sleek hardware and mixed materials like faux croc and snakeskin (hell: go for broke and get the real thing). Thankfully, many of the satchels feature the now-ubiquitous crossbody strap - perfect for the gal that likes to party downtown hands free.

There’s also a lighter palette: camel is really the big hit color of the season.  

If you want to really invest in the trends of the season get a leopard print or exotic skin version. However, the exotic skin will be chic indefinitely and the leopard may be out sooner than later (Ferragamo, I die over, right). OR just play it safe and get a bag in a beautiful cognac color like on the Chloe' runway - it will beautifully accentuate your camel palette for Fall and only get more gorgeous with age. 

If you really want to play up this trend and put a modern twist on it make sure that one of those straps is metal links. 

I just love this Rebecca Minkoff purse, left, it blends all the trends and coming out to just under $400 it won't kill you, but will only make you stronger, jk. Happy Friday!


Courtesy of Marian Kihogo

9.16.2010

Loving This: Murakami Takes Versailles


[via Flavorwire] Following on the heels of celebrated exhibitions by Jeff Koons and Xavier Veilhan, Japanese Pop artistTakashi Murakami is taking the Château of Versailles by storm with a show of manga-inspired sculptures opening today. Grandiose in scope and scale and seductive in the masterful use of materials, Murakami’s comical cast of characters is perfectly matched with the rooms and gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette’s ornate palace.
Although not everyone is happy to see the controversial artist’s work displayed in the French national treasure, particularly the country’s conservatives, Murakami seems thrilled with the historical mash-up. “I am The Cheshire Cat who greets Alice in Wonderland with his devilish grin, and chatters on as she wanders around the Château,” says the artist, in reference to one of his works on view. And then, sounding a bit like Walt Disney hyping his amusement park in a 1960s commercial, he adds, “With my playful smile, I invite you all to the Wonderland of Versailles.”
Twenty-two works by Murakami, of which eleven are new, are spread out over 15 rooms of the estate, as well as its glorious grounds. “Contemporary artistic creation allows another perception of this living, ever-changing monument,” states Laurent Le Bon, the director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz and curator of the exhibition, who sees the show as “a new labyrinth of Versailles, that has the purpose of both distracting and entertaining the viewer.”
Murakami-Versailles is on view at the Château of Versailles, outside of Paris, through December 12.
Takashi Murakami, Flower Matango, 2001-2006. Fiberglass, iron, oil paint and acrylic, 315 x 204,7 x 263 cm / 10,33 x 6,7 x 8,63 feet ©2001-2006 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Hall of Mirrors / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami - Tongari-Kun 2003 - 2004, Fibre de verre, acier et huile, acrylique et peinture uréthane - 700 x 350 cm © 2003 - 2004 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All right reserved. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn - Salon d'Hercule / Château de Versailles
Takashi Murakami, J, 2010. Aluminium and gold leaf, 104 x 80 x 90 cm / 3,41 x 2,62 x 2,95 feet ©2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Queen’s Guards Room / Château de Versailles
Takashi Murakami, The Emperor’s New Clothes, 2005. Fiberglass, resin, iron, wood, fabrics, oil paint, acrylic and lacquer, 189 x 109 x 102 cm / 6,23 x 3,14 x 1,50 feet ©2005 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Coronation Room/ Château de Versailles
Takashi Murakami, Yume Lion (The Dream Lion), 2009 -2010. Aluminum and gold leaf, 191 x 127 x 110 cm / 6,3 feet x 50 ½ inches x 43 ¼ inches ©2009-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Apollo Salon / Château de Versailles
Takashi Murakami, Oval Buddha, 2007-2010. Bronze and gold leaf, 568 x 312 x 319 cm / 18,6 x 10,46 x 10,21 feet ©2007-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - Water Parterre / Château de Versailles

9.14.2010

Don't Fret: My Top 6 Trends for Fall to Guide Your Way





















1. Chunky Knits - Go with large cable knits or just big/chunky cardigans, check out what Prada, right, and what Ferragamo did at left for inspiration. It's far too hot to be into this right now. Alas, maybe soon.






















2. Leopard Anything - {See how to buy a good leopard print bag here} If you aren't a bag lady get a silk shirt with a good leopard print or a scarf, check out Dries Van Noten, left, or  iconic Mulberry, right.




















3. The New Minimalism - Go with single or neutral tones - think grey, black and white, or camel (as in Stella McCartney) which leads me to...




















4. Camel - This looks is classic American (think that's why Tommy Hilfiger- yup, you read that correctly- is currently relevant again), this one is my absolute favorite trends of the season along with leopard (don't forget the denim shirt- still so hot right now). Read more on how obsessed I am about camel here. 




















5. Shearling/Anything Fur - Not so practical here in Texas, but elsewhere this look can really work. Ski trip anyone? Its all about the Burberry bomber jacket by Chris Bailey; Michael Kors also made a big, fury splash this season (paired with grey pants which is such a hot color for fall). The good news for those of you who live in the appropriate climate: fake fur is nice and you can't tell the difference. So, if you are humane or broke- just do it.





















6. Maxi Skirts - I love this look. The proportions are great and it feels so good to play up the length of the legs. Make sure to belt the waste so you have some accentuation of your curves. Trust me. Check out Ferragamo, left and Michael Kors, right.


So, get out there and support the economy! Happy shopping within your means, ha ha.

I'm Obsessed: New Brandon Flowers - Listen Here!

9.13.2010

Happy Birthday Roald Dahl

Best Movie of All Timeeeee



Dahl, who was born on September 13, 1906 in Wales would have been 96 years old if he was still alive today. 







Science Blows: Successful Women Are Doomed to Unhappiness


[via DailyIntel] God, being a woman is a bitch. As if the cramps and the emotions and the goddamn shoes aren't bad enough, just when you're feeling good about something, like, say, making more money, along comes a group of sociologists to kick you right in the vagina. The latest, from a study conducted by Western Washington University, has found that women who are the main breadwinners in their families are nearly 40 percent more likely to get divorced.
Sociologist Jay Teachman explains to the devastating consequences a woman's financial success can have on a marriage to the Post:
"There's some wounded egos, too. The man is going to expect he'll make more money, and the wife is going to expect she's not."
When neither of those things happens, it strains the marriage, he said.
Successful women may resent a husband who doesn't appear to be pulling his weight -- "or suddenly decides to spend all his time making model planes," Teachman said.
So, there you go, ladies. Go ahead and pursue a career, but know that if you do too well, your husband will probably turn into an idiot child who only wants to plays with toys. At least if that happens, you have the cash to go to Bali.